10 Common Phone Interview Mistakes You Should Fix Now
Posted by Luulla Admin
Friday 5 May 2017
Posted by Luulla Admin
Friday 5 May 2017
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In this era of modern technology, telephone interviews have become an increasingly popular method to screen candidates prior to final selection, especially where time and distance are issues. Even though it's a short and simple process, it can be extremely nerve wrecking. Besides, phone interviews can easily get you knocked out of race before the competition even heats up. If you have been scheduled for job interview via phone, it is extremely crucial for you to get it right for the first time. Here are the 10 common mistakes candidates make during a phone interview and some tips on how to do better.
1. You're rambling on without answering the question
Phone screens are simple, it no longer filled with softball questions. All recruiter needs to hear from you is a basic rundown of your experience and why it is relevant to the job you are applying for. Hence, you need to be as fully prepared as you would for an in-person interview. Prepare a 3-5 minute pitch explaining your career progression, and what led you to apply for this job. There is no need to give a play-by-play of every single task you did for each job. Just talk about the highlight projects, or accomplishments that are directly related to the role you are speaking about.
2. You're not showing your enthusiasm
If you really want a job, your enthusiasm will shine through during the conversation. Recruiters read people well as they have spoken to countless numbers of people. Hence, it is very obvious for them whether this is a role you're passionate about or just a role that you're applying for. In short, passion is extremely important!
3. You don't understand who and why
It is always crucial to understand who is the interviewer. Be sure you ask for the name and title of anyone who you will be talking with. If it's a HR representative, most likely the main purpose of the interview is to confirm the facts of your resume, to evaluate your communications skills, and to determine if you are a fit for the organization's culture. Mostly, the HR screenings are about 15-20 minutes. If it is the hiring manager, most likely the main purpose is to determine if your technical skills are a match for the position. Of course, they will also evaluate your communication skills and whether you will make a good addition to their existing team. Usually the screening is approximately 45 minutes to an hour.
4. You're not showing off your qualifications
According to some interviewers, plenty of resumes have led them in believing the candidate can totally nail the job and made them want to take time to talk to people who they believed could be a great fit. However, once they actually get on the phone with that person, the conversation totally falls flat. Hence, remember to highlight your relevant experience, even if it doesn't come up in the conversation. Always bare in mind: if a recruiter is calling you, it means they see something promising in your experience. It's up to you to show them that they are right.
5. You're not paying attention
It is extremely essential to avoid any interruptions while you are having phone interview. If possible find a quiet room with a reliable landline. Lock the door if necessary and turn off your mobile. Those interruptions will make you appear distracted and unfocused! Do your best by giving 100% attention on the call. Pay attention to what's being asked of you and attempt to decipher and reciprocate the mood being set by the interviewer.
6. Talking too much and not knowing when to keep quiet
Always bare in mind, if you ramble on for too long, the interviewer will become easily distracted by their computer screen or by what's going out around them. Thus, keep your answers specific and straight to the point. Be clear and concise and then ask if the interviewer would like you to elaborate on the points. Try to keep your answers to under one minute.
7. Not asking any questions
You should always prepare at least a couple of prepared questions for your interviewer. This shows that you took the time to review the position information, and you are serious about making sure you can meet their expectations. Consider asking about project timelines or goals, additional job duties that may not be if you move forward and accept the position.
8. Overselling yourself
Everyone is rarely a 100% fit for a given job, and managers acknowledge this. Hence, be careful not to impress the interviewer by overselling yourself, or make it seem as though you're an expert in an area you may have only touched on a couple of times. This will skew your interviewer's expectations for you, and you could end up falling short on something you promised you could deliver!
9. Underselling yourself
If you don't have experience in a specific area, you need to admit that and be honest but you should never finish your answer on a negative note. Try to end on a positive note and emphasize your willingness to learn, attend a training or mention how quickly you feel you can pick up on new skills if applicable.
10. You're making it weird
Interviewers are typically approachable and personable people, so it's easy to feel comfortable when you're talking to them, but don't play yourself. It's extremely important to be who you are and show your personality, but there is a fine line between being yourself and going overboard. Always bare in mind that you are interviewing for a job, hence keep it professional at all times. No super personal stories or anecdotes, and never say something in a screen that you wouldn't say to your current boss.
